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A Maserati 3500GT named 'La Latina'

February 26, 2014

Frank Mandarano seems like a man after our own heart. We don't really know anything about him, except for his car. Or cars. He's into Maserati 3500GTs in a big way -- he has four.

That's more than we have. By four, to be precise. But it's hard to hate Mandarano for his stash, because these beauties epitomize the proportions and feel of the classic Italian gran turismo. They don't just look the part: Their 220-hp inline-sixes will sing as you push the car down twisty roads. Optional front disc brakes (later standard) mean you'll actually be able to stop.

The Maserati 3500GT that stars in this video was found in Mexico City, which is why it's nicknamed “La Latina.” It's not perfectly and flawlessly restored, which is fine by us.

Though they're nowhere near as valuable as Ferraris of the era, and classic German cars have appreciated in value more quickly, we're still disheartened to report that 3500GTs are already well out of our price range, and they won't be getting cheaper anytime soon.

So for the foreseeable future, living vicariously through other owners is going to have to do. That's why we're glad Mandarano's story, and car, have been covered by Petrolicious in the enthusiast site's characteristically tasteful style.

Graham Kozak
- Graham Kozak drove a 1951 Packard 200 sedan in high school because he wanted something that would be easy to find in a parking lot. He thinks all the things they're doing with fuel injection and seatbelts these days are pretty nifty too.
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